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Explore the idea of "place branding" and develop a slogan that captures America's best identity.
Tell students that money is no option and that they can choose anyplace to go on vacation. Then, give them a few minutes to select their vacation destination and write down why they want to go there. Ask a few students to share their thinking and then discuss why each vacation spot has the reputation that it does. Explain that a place's reputation is its "brand," and that effective or ineffective "place branding" plays a critical role in the success of that place.
Next, explain that this idea of "place branding" also applies to countries. Divide the class into small groups to read and discuss the article, "Nation Branding". Why is a country's reputation such an important asset? What is the United States known for? What are the characteristics of a good nation brand?
Each group should then develop a slogan that captures America's best identity. It should be brief, memorable, and communicate what the group thinks the U.S. should be known for around the world. Then have groups contribute their slogans to the Go Ahead, Tag America! interactive feature.
Additional Resources
List of U.S. State Slogans
Stimulate student thinking about slogans by showing what U.S. states would like to be known for.
Ideology, Language, and Labels
Robin Koerner comments on American practices of labeling political ideology.
Related Standards
Geography, Standard 6: Understands that culture and experience influence people's perceptions of places and regions.
U.S. History, Standard 31: Understands economic, social, and cultural developments in the contemporary United States.
Source: "Content Knowledge" by McRel (Mid-continent Research for Education and Learning)
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